The nanocomposite of PtPd nanoparticles/onion-like mesoporous carbon vesicle for nonenzymatic amperometric sensing of glucose

A facile and fast microwave irradiation method was developed to prepare PtPd bimetallic alloy nanoparticles on onion-like mesoporous carbon vesicle (MCV). With MCV acts as a template, its high surface area favors the formation of nanosized PtPd particles. The PtPd/MCV nanocomposite was characterized by transmission electron microscopy (TEM), scanning electron micrographs (SEM), X-ray diffraction (XRD), and X-ray photoelectron spectroscopy (XPS). A nonenzymatic amperometric sensor of glucose based on the PtPd/MCV modified glassy carbon (GC) electrode is developed. Compared with the Pt/MCV nanocomposite, the PtPd/MCV modified electrode displays enhanced current response towards glucose and gives linear range from 1.5 to 12 mM. The particular lamellar structure of the MCV results in favorable transport passage for glucose. The modified electrode achieves 95% of the steady-current within 3s. This nonenzymatic glucose sensor also exhibits good ability of anti-interference to electroactive molecules. The fast response and facile preparation method make PtPd/MCV nanocomposite promising for the development of enzyme-free sensor for glucose. (C) 2011 Elsevier B.V. All rights reserved.